Cardboard collection helping reduce waste levy in Warwick

Endeavour Foundation is investing in a cleaner, greener future and helping local business do the same, through an upgraded commercial cardboard collection and recycling service in Warwick, Queensland.

As of December 1 last year, commerce, industry and the building sector must pay an additional waste disposal levy per tonne of landfill, in a move designed to increase recycling throughout the state.

Endeavour Foundation CEO David Barbagallo says the upgraded cardboard collection service offers an easy way for businesses to avoid the waste levy by recycling, provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities and also raises vital funds for disability support programs.

“The recycling service, which provides cost effective and efficient recycling to commercial businesses in the Warwick area, has now been enhanced with changes to the old bag and frame collection system,” Mr Barbagallo said.

Upgrades to the service include 40 new 1,300litre capacity collection bins and a new hydraulic tipper to empty the bins onto the processing conveyor.

General Manager of Commercial Operations Andrew Donne said Endeavour Foundation has also invested $80,000 in a new truck, to expand the recycling capacity of Endeavour Foundation in Warwick - partially funded by a recent $30,000 Gaming Community Benefit Fund grant.

“We are proud that Endeavour Foundation now plays an increasing role in recycling services in Queensland,” Mr Donne said.

“We are now providing services to councils around the state, such as operating the Brisbane City Council Tip Shop, and operating waste transfer facilities at Buderim, Kenilworth and Yandina on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

Last month Endeavour Foundation signed a contract with the Southern Downs Regional Council for the continued management of waste transfer and recycling at both Warwick and Stanthorpe.

Mr Barbagallo said supported employees of Endeavour Foundation’s Warwick Business Service reclaimed any saleable items and cleaned them for sale at the Tip Shop.

“We are able to recycle cardboard, plastic, cans and a number of other materials, significantly reducing landfill – and that’s good for everyone,” Mr Barbagallo said.

“By operating commercial services like this, Endeavour Foundation can ensure we are not simply reliant on the goodwill and generosity of the community. We will continue seeking out opportunities like this to increase funds and provide more services for people with a disability,” he said.

Endeavour Foundation provides support for more than 3,350 people with a disability, at 230 locations throughout Queensland and in Sydney.

Local businesses can contact Warwick’s Endeavour Foundation lndustries to find out more about the commercial cardboard collection service, by calling 07 4667 0346. The cost per pick-up service is $13.20.